Enoch Attey (Tenor + Guitarist)
Music major

This is Enoch’s second year as a member of Rise Above. He was raised in Ghana, but came to CUC from his home in Odenton, Maryland, USA. Appropriately so, Enoch is majoring in music at CUC. Not only does Enoch sing tenor for the group, but he also plays guitar, arranges music and composes songs. Music is his passion and hopes to one day produce music professionally. Through Rise Above and his many other musical endeavors, he continues to live his dream of ministering through music.

Through this ministry, Enoch wants to share the "realness of the people at CUC and the top notch spiritual atmosphere." For him the CUC experience has been amazing! "I would hate to leave the place or people," shares Enoch. According to Enoch, highlight of his summer ministry will be to "tell people that God is coming soon."

Nicole Bartolay (Keyboardist)
CUC Staff - Marketing & Enrolment Office Manager

Nicole joins Rise Above for a third summer as the keyboardist. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, she’s made Lacombe her home, working in the Marketing and Enrolment office at CUC. In 2008, Nicole completed a bachelor of science in psychology and a minor in music at CUC. As a student, Nicole was involved in music on campus playing with various groups and singers along with serving as accompanist for the Choral Union.

When the opportunity first arose 2 years ago to join Rise Above, Nicole jumped at the prospect of being involved. “I love travelling, I love performing, and I love praising God,” she says, “this group is a spectacular way to incorporate these passions into one exciting ministry.” She is proud and excited to continue to use her talents and enthusiasm for the team and school that are near and dear to her heart.

Donovan Diminyatz (Bass + Bass)
Religous Studies major

Donovan (aka Donny) comes to us from Kelowna, British Columbia as Rise Above’s bass singer and bass guitar player. He is taking religious studies at CUC and hopes to one day become a youth pastor. Although this is Donny’s first year as a member of Rise Above, he’s a seasoned veteran of the music ministry world. Before studying at CUC, he performed and toured for 6 years with the Freedom Singers as their bass singer.

Donny’s first year experience at CUC has been a positive one; he’s enjoyed the caring faculty, being involved in campus life, Week In Spiritual Emphasis, and the friendly student body. He’s excited to embark on a summer of travels. “I look forward to the chance to travel with a young band and meet new people,” Donny says, “I just love nothing more than making music for God and leading His people in worship.”

Kalyna Lamberton (Soprano)
Elementary Education major

Kalyna is a freshman at CUC from Chilliwack, British Columbia. For years, Kalyna has been involved in music for her church and school and she’s excited to use her talents as a singer in Rise Above. She has a passion for children and is majoring in elementary education. Her love of children has been fostered by 2 summers working at Mountain View Summer Camp in Hope, BC.

When presented with the opportunity to join Rise Above, Kalyna was eager to use her love of singing in a fun and meaningful way. She is enjoying her first year as part of the CUC family. “The people are warm and friendly,” she says, “it is a campus where you will recognize every face.” Kalyna is excited to go above and beyond to show God’s love through music to all the people she meets this summer.

Bernice Leavitt (Group Coordinator)
CUC Staff - Campus Relations & Educational Wellness

Bernice (aka Bernie) is the coordinator of Rise Above and works at CUC as coordinator for Campus Relations and Educational Wellness (CREW). She works through the details of music selection, practices, travel, and runs the sound system. In short, she makes the group look and sound good.

For six years Bernie travelled with previous CUC summer music teams, and has travelled throughout Canada extensively during those years. Considered the "Mom" of the group, Bernie has been involved in music all her life.

Bryan Lee (Tenor)
CUC Staff - VP for Marketing & Enrolment

Bryan is the Vice President for Marketing and Enrolment at CUC as well as a CUC alumnus. He spent ten years travelling in music ministry after university, then turned to education as a teacher and later a principal. He was also the youth director for both the Ontario and Alberta Conferences.

Singing tenor for the group, Bryan enjoys music with a ministry. During his time in music, he has recorded thirteen albums and says, "touring with groups in music ministry was a life changing experience and have given me the skills and passions that have directed my life." When it comes to Adventist Christian education, Bryan believes that it is a number one priority for young people's lives. "When I look at where it pointed me in my decisions about God and life, I see time and time again the positive impact it has on young people's spiritual foundation. Why would I not want to see our kids getting a comparable academic education, plus the spiritual growth and guidance that our schools can offer?"

Bryan is a singer, speaker, teacher, husband, and father. He lives with his family in Lacombe, Alberta.

Chet Stickle (Percussionist)
Biology major

Chet hails from Kelowna, British Columbia and is in his first year at CUC. Chet joins Rise Above as the group’s percussionist. He is studying biology at CUC with hopes to continue onto medical school. A multi-talented young man, Chet is a singer in addition to his role as percussionist and is involved in several music groups on campus.

Even though he’s a freshman, Chet has quickly integrated with the CUC campus. “I’ve been involved in lots of music and living in the dorm has been fun. If you want to be involved, there are plenty of opportunities.” Rise Above “is a big opportunity, something I didn’t want to miss,” Chet says of his involvement in the group, “I can’t wait to see new places and meet new people. It’s going to be a special summer.”

Sarah Sutherland (Alto)
Elementary Education major

Sara joins Rise Above from beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. This is her second summer travelling with the group and she’s excited to continue as a singer. She s entering her third-year at CUC, majoring in elementary education with a minor in physical education. Sara first heard CUC’s touring group at campmeeting when she was young and is excited to have the opportunity to involve herself in music ministry.

“It is a warm and welcoming environment,” Sara says about CUC, “it is God centered with a wonderful spiritual atmosphere.” Sara is involved in various activities on campus including the volleyball team and the campus ministries team. This summer, Sara looks forward to continuing to meet new people, praising God, and exploring Canada’s beautiful sights.